Before implementing any problem solving strategy, make sure you’ve identified the real problem. No decision-making effort follows the exact same steps, but most good decisions are reached by taking certain steps. Reflective problem solving involves following key tasks to more fully define the problem, and evaluate, and identify any possible solutions.

Key Tasks, given in order.

1. Define the problem: Make a list of resources: people, books, and websites that have some connection to the problem.

For example:

PROBLEM: My printer is out of toner, and I can’t print out documents today.

CONNECTED RESOURCES: 1) Son uses printer for school projects. 2) Staples is where I buy my toner for my printer.

Use these resources to help you further understand the exact problem. Be sure to include any symptoms of your identified problem. Identifying the symptoms, helps explain why a problem exists. There is a difference between a symptom of a problem, and the actual problem.

For example:

My printer is out of toner, and I can’t use it today. First glance seems like a problem, but I consider this to be a symptom. Why am I out of toner? Is it because of a money shortage, or is because of lack planning? If it’s a money shortage, then why is there a shortage of money?

It is critical to be able to define the problem that may have caused a series of problematic symptoms.

2. Analyze the problem: After more fully identifying the problem, we can now focus on why the problem exists. This step is a matter of evaluating the information we have available to us. This analysis can be a painful process, if we feel defensive, or have any kind of a victim mentality about the identified problem.

For example, if we figure out that the problem is a lack of money, we may feel defensive, and victimized, if we’re unable to secure a good paying job, matching our skills, or if we’ve experience a work layoff. Or our income earning ability is limited. It may be difficult to think clearly for analysis, if we feel panicked by the urgency of the problem, or problematic symptoms. Like losing insurance coverage, or our car being repossessed, or facing home foreclosure, or utilities being shut off.

3. Establish criteria for evaluating potential solutions: Make a list of MUSTS and WANTS. MUSTS are what outcomes you must have from a solution. WANTS should be prioritized from most desirable, to least desirable.

4. Propose solutions: After you have figured out what a solution must provide in the way of your musts and wants list, brainstorm any potential solutions. After you have a lot of ideas written down, start evaluating the possible solutions, and select the one that best fits your musts and wants list.

For example: 1) Get a full-time job, rather than continuing consulting 2) Get a full-time programming job 3) Get a full-time training job 4) Get a full-time writing copy job 5) Get a part time job 6) Land a consistent, on-going dependable consulting job (database management/development)

5. Take action: Write out a plan that details the steps needed in order to put into action your solution. Be sure to include the resources needed to do it.

For example: 1) Send out e-mails to past customers asking them if they have any projects I can help them with, asking them for business referrals 2) Send out e-mails to past customers, and friends, letting them know I’m looking for employment, or referrals for employment. 3) Follow up via e-mail, and phone, or in person any referrals for projects, or employment responses. 4) Search online for any projects, part-time and full time positions within a 25 mile radius of my home. 5) Let friends know about the financial challenges. 6) try to stay calm, and not lose confidence in my God-given talents. 7) Check to see about deferring loan payments for a month or two, to give more time for the solution to work. RESOURCES NEEDED: Phone, computer, internet access, transportation.

Some people find it helpful to follow a more detailed, and systematic procedure, for problem solving to help keep them focused. If you are having difficulty staying on track, following this step-by-step process, may help you reach your solution more efficiently, and effectively.

Organizing Ideas

Avoid focusing too much attention on any solution ideas, too soon, and don’t act on the first solution idea that comes to mind. You want several different solutions to evaluate. Don't avoid problems. Many of us dodge problem solving activities because we don’t like uncertainty. This can cause us to grab a "quick-fix" in hopes of getting rid of the problem, as soon as possible, by whatever means necessary. We all can benefit from developing more endurance for ambiguity, and doubt, and being able to put any panic feelings aside, and focus our energy on solving the problem.

Refrain from dogmatism, and fixating on one of the items listed on your Musts or Wants List. At all times keep an open mind, and be willing to consider any new related problems, and ideas, during this process.

Be wary of your own biases, and the biases of some of your resources, when evaluating the facts of a problem. Don't make sweeping generalizations, or accept facts, or beliefs, without sufficient evidence that comes from reliable sources. Recognize that people all have different backgrounds, values, experiences, and thinking styles that have significant bearing on how an individual views a problem.

Do you have a better understanding of the problem you had on your mind when you began reading this article? Do you now have a solution?

The following Hubs have instructions, on how to use other problem solving strategies:

Conflict-based Problem Solving

Creative Problem-Solving